Interstoff Asia Essential Spring
The Home of Cutting-Edge Textiles
18 – 20 March 2009, Hong Kong

FINAL REPORT

Interstoff Asia Essential Spring attracts nearly 7,000 professional industry buyers

Famous brands and serious buyers attend spring fair, reaffirming fairs relevance in the textile industry

Fair’s positioning as eco-friendly textile fair welcomed by visitors and exhibitors alike

“The textile industry is quickly evolving and we have proven once again that Interstoff Asia Essential is a key destination for industry professionals looking for innovation and inspiration,” said Ms Wendy Wen, Director of Trade Fairs for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The 2009 Spring edition attracted nearly 7,000 visitors at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 42 countries and regions. The event took place over three days from 18 – 20 March and featured some of the finest fabrics and modern eco textiles from around the world. Exhibitors commended the fair organisers, for providing a cost-effective means of meeting with professional buyers and gaining fresh insight into this dynamic market.

Famous brands and serious buyers attend spring fair, reaffirming fairs relevance in the textile industry

Mr Sikander Sulaiman, Marketing Manager for Sapphire, an eco textile manufacturer from Pakistan praised the quality of this year’s visitors on the fair. “The buyers were serious and refined.  They knew what they wanted to purchase and helped us expand our business.”

In terms of business nature, 31 percent of the attendees were garment and textile manufacturers, 17 percent were from trading companies, 15 percent were buying agents, offices and importers, 8 percent were designers and 7 percent were wholesalers, retailers and department store buyers. The remaining visitors included trade associations, media and other apparel textile related services.

The top ten visiting countries and regions included Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, the US, Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, India, Japan and Thailand. Significant increases in buyers from Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates were also recorded.

Return visitor, Mr Kumjorn Chuenchoochit, Executive Director for the Thai Textile Industry Public Company Limited, was impressed with the shows improved image. ‘There is a range of high quality fabrics on the fair that have great colours and unique designs.  This fair now showcases a variety of middle to high-end textiles,” he commented.

Equally as inspired by the fair concept and organisation was visitor, Mr Md. Fazlul Hoque, President for the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association. “This show is great! I have been able to find quality suppliers from all in one convenient location.  The special forums have certainly helped me find the right fabrics easily.” 

Amongst the international visitors were high-profile buyers from some of most important fashion labels across Asia, Europe, and North America including Adidas Sourcing Limited, BCBG Max Azria Group, Burberry Asia Ltd, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Evisu, French Connection, Gap International Sourcing (Holdings) Limited, Giordano, Juicy Couture, Liz Claiborne Intl Ltd, Lucky Brand, Marks & Spencer, New Balance, Next Sourcing, Nike International Ltd, Phillips Van Heusen, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Triumph Intl, Victoria's Secret, Vivienne Tam and Wal-Mart.

“The show exceeded our expectations. We met with a few potential customers and even met with some big brands who were interested in our eco solutions,” said BASF, Global Manager Ms Katherine Chan.

Interstoff Asia Spring's reputation as an eco-friendly global sourcing platform is well on the road to becoming established, as was demonstrated by the high number of exhibitors displaying eco-fabrics (32% of total) on the fair.  Among them were Ishinco and Teijin from Japan; SFT Inc and Chungnam Knit Co. Ltd from Korea; and Landegent Clothing Consultancy from the Netherlands.

Bluesign certified company, Everest Textile Co Ltd were pleased with their decision to participate at this year’s spring fair. “Eco-textiles are gaining popularity within the consumer market and are becoming a major trend in the textile and clothing industry.  Many leading brands and buying offices came to our booth to look for quality eco and functional fabrics,” said Mr Roger C.L Yeh, President for the Taiwanese based textile manufacturer.

Value added events prove to be a success!

Another highlight this year included an exclusive opportunity to receive professional design and consultant services from some of Hong Kong’s leading fashion designers at the Designer’s Corner including Meiyi Cheung, Bonita Cheung, Florence Tang, Michael Lau, Kevin Yeung and Lucy Shih.  The designers also highlighted their talent by making trend boards with exhibitor’s fabrics as inspired from the Spring / Summer 2010 Directions trend forum.

Designer, Barney Cheng, who also participated this year, spoke on the vital importance of an eco themed textile trade fair in the region. “Eco friendliness is the way forward, not just for fashion but all industries who want to remain relevant and competitive in today’s economy.  Consumers are becoming more aware of sustainability and in turn are becoming more conscious in their fashion purchases.”

Besides sourcing quality eco-textiles and functional fabrics, a series of seminar programmes were offered that provided green business solutions to textile and garment manufacturers and industry buyers, which focused on strategies dealing with the current global economic challenges at the Eco Textile Asia Panel Discussion, an event co organised with EcoTextile News from the UK.

“Interstoff is a very good platform to host panel discussions on sustainability, especially during these economically tough times,” noted Mr Harsha Vardhan Global Environment Coordinator from Hennes & Mauritz. “It gives us, the brands, an opportunity to directly communicate with the industry leaders in the region and reconfirm our commitment towards sustainable principles.”

Mr Sean Cady, Director Environment, Health & Safety, Social & Environmental Sustainability for Levi Strauss & Co shared Mr Vardhan’s sentiments. “Trade platforms such as Interstoff Asia provide an opportunity for Levi Strauss & Co. to share our work with industry leaders and benefit from the strong support of industry colleagues."

Please click here to download photos of the 2009 Spring edition.  Interstoff Asia Essential Autumn is scheduled from 7 – 9 October 2009.